High-ranking officials to attend international economic forum in Beijing

BEIJING, March 13. /TASS/. Twenty-five high-ranking officials, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, will take part in the international economic forum in Beijing in May devoted to regional integration and cooperation of Asian countries, Chinese Foreign Ministry’s spokesperson Hua Chunying said on Monday.

The "One Belt, One Road" forum "is an important platform of cooperation," she said. "We plan to invite 25 high-ranking officials from other countries and 1,200 representatives," the diplomat added, expressing hope that "the forum will be successful."

The spokesperson gave no details on how many countries will be represented at the event.

Russia’s Ambassador Andrei Denisov said earlier at a press conference that Vladimir Putin would participate in the forum during his working visit to China. "The Russian president immediately confirmed his readiness to come at the invitation of Mr. Xi Jinping and take part in the "One Belt, One Road" forum. He plans to participate in discussions at the forum and prepares for the bilateral working visit and talks with President Xi Jinping," he said.

The "One Belt, One Road" forum is due to be held in China’s capital Beijing on May 14-15.